Their dispositions were as sunny as the Florida day that greeted them, their outlook as bright as the immaculate red practice jerseys that hung in neat rows along the lockers. Pitchers, catchers and assorted other players reported for spring training at Space Coast Stadium on Tuesday, flush with relief and satisfaction that they are something new called the Washington Nationals.

The Boston Red Sox have signed backup catcher Doug Mirabelli to a two-year deal worth $3 million, making him the first of the World Series champions' 16 free agents to re-sign. Mirabelli hit .305 with nine homers and 29 RBI in his 41 starts last season.

Greg Maddux threw seven shutout innings for his 302nd career win and also drove in a run, leading the Chicago Cubs to a 5-2 win over the Montreal Expos on Monday night. Chicago regained the NL wild-card lead, moving a half-game ahead of idle San Diego.

J.T. Snow singled in the winning run with one out in the ninth to lead the San Francisco Giants to their sixth straight victory, 5-4 over the Montreal Expos on Tuesday night. Barry Bonds homered twice and Jason Schmidt pitched eight strong innings. The Giants kept their lead in the NL wild-card race.

The Houston Astros finally came from behind in the ninth inning to win. Pinch-hitter Orlando Palmeiro singled home the go-ahead run to cap a three-run ninth, and Houston beat Montreal 5-4 Sunday to end the Expos' winning streak at a season-high seven.

Fan voting for All-Star starters began Wednesday at Minute Maid Park, which will host the game on July 13. In-stadium voting at other major league parks will start no later than May 18. Each team is allotted 23 home dates to conduct balloting. Early returns will be announced in early June. Starters and reserves will be picked on July 4.

Frank Robinson said Friday he hopes to manage the Montreal Expos another three to five years. The Hall of Famer, who has led the NL club to repeat winning seasons, has yet to finalize a contract. But the 68-year-old is on the job for the start of spring training at Space Coast Stadium.